In astonishingly general terms, there are three fundamental strategies used. You need to be able to switch strategies instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This involves assembling a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at a minimum as thick as you might manage, to block in the competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is judged to be the most adequate strategy at the begining of the match. You can assemble the wall anyplace inbetween your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is comprised of closing your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your opponent on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious difficulty because they have two checkers on the bar and you have locked half your inside board!
The Backgame
This plan is where you have two or higher anchors in your competitor’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position filled by at least 2 of your pieces.) It should be used when you are extremely behind as this strategy much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and also on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this straight away, while your competitor is shifting their pieces home, seeing that you do not have other additional checkers to shift! In this situation, it is more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position up until your competitor gives you an opportunity to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this case!